ROCKSTAR ENERGY FORD FIESTA

MANILA, Philippines — Much of the metro has been caught up in Bourne Legacy fever, eager for glimpses of Hollywood stars like Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz or Edward Norton. Yet for drift fans, it’s the presence of another star that has them spinning in circles.

That star is U.S. Formula D drift champion, stunt driver and TV host Tanner Foust. Here to do the stunt driving for the film The Bourne Legacy, the 38-year old drift champion is also known for his exploits in other motorsports like rally, ice racing, time attack and rallycross.

Tanner has been driving under the Rockstar Energy drink team, first in drifting with a 350Z and now in the X Games with the Rockstar Energy Ford Fiesta. He’s also hosted shows like SPEED Channel’s SuperCars Exposed and Redline TV, ESPN’s Import Tuners and the History Channel’s Top Gear USA. He’s also been a stunt driver for films such as The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift, Iron Man 2, and The Dukes of Hazzard. All of which have inevitably led him to the Philippines, driving behind the wheel of a souped up Jeepney for one of the film’s elaborate chase scenes in Manila.

Last Feb. 11, Rockstar Philippines made it possible for Tanner to take a break from his busy shooting schedule and meet with Philippine fans and motoring media.

At the top floor of club Seventh High in Bonifacio High Street, Tanner eagerly mixed with the crowd and was more than happy to grant the media an interview.

Naturally, many of those present were curious about the Bourne Legacy filming. Tanner was hesitant to give away all the details but did give away enough to get us excited for the movie.

“Bourne is not really a driving movie. Driving is more of an accessory. What we did was drive with jeepneys. There are also some motorcycles involved. One of these jeepneys was not impressive on the outside but it had a sweet engine inside, it was clean, had a cold air intake. I even took a picture.

When asked if he’d return, Tanner eagerly replied.

“I’d love to come back to the Philippines. You guys are awesome. I know there are Rockstar cars here already ripping around so I’d love to demo some stuff,” he said.

Stunt and precision driving aside, one of Tanner’s true passions is drift driving. It’s also what opened doors to other opportunities.

“Drifting is one of those breakout sports not just for me but hundreds of drivers in the States. It’s not a traditional motorsport. It’s an action sport and appeals to younger crowds that are internet savvy and into viral videos. Sponsors really go to drifting first,” he said.

He added: “A lot of television shows and websites follow the sport. One of those TV shows wanted a driver host, so I did a host for a hotel room-based show. It was a show for pay per view hotel stuff. It’s a show about a dude driving a Camaro. You pay $6.95. No nudity involved in that,” he jested.  “That’s what I did and that led to a show on Speed Channel, then I did a show for ESPN called Import Racers. As a result, I’ve gotten to drive a lot of cool stuff. TV was a lot of fun.”

Speaking of TV shows, the TopGear franchise has had a bit of a reputation when it comes to automotive antics. Tanner even shared a little anecdote about his experience on the show.

“Usually, the most hair-raising driving is on the way to the airport whether it’s in the States or here, shooting the Bourne movie. We did get pulled over in the States. We were sprinting to the airport. It was a rental car and we got tagged going way too fast. A police officer comes up behind us, peeks into the window and goes… ‘Wait, aren’t you three…’

“Yes, you want a photo?”

“So, we jump out of the car, posed with the guy, took a picture and shake his hand.”

“We left him in front of his police car and dashed off. He never got the license. That was the only time it’s really paid off. Usually I just get a ticket.”

Hijinks aside, Tanner remains professional when it comes to racing. For those eager to follow in his footsteps, he has a few words of advice.

“It’s awesome that people want to make it their living. It’s a lucky time to be growing up right now. Drifting is one of the few sports where you can make it happen. It’s super daunting to get other people to pay your bills. It’s a sport that’s super in demand because you have a younger audience.”

He said: “First, you have to put yourself in the shoes of the people writing the check. They want to make themselves look good at their job, get a promotion and excel. They need to trust you and know that you’re not going to blow it for them.

“You have to do trustworthy things on and off the track. Recognize that people are watching. Even in practice sessions, people are watching.  Don’t spin out if you can avoid it. Start slow and build from that.

“If you are recognized as the consistent one, it’s a lot better than being the one who can put together only one in four runs that is spectacular. Consistency — that will bring results, regardless of whether you’re male, female, have a crazier car or whatever. The one that wins will be getting the sponsors.”

Keeping consistency in high priority while maintaining an upbeat and light-hearted demeanor, it’s no surprise Tanner has become in demand be it in motorsports, stunt driving or TV hosting. They’re rockstar qualities in any language and reason enough for Rockstar Energy to proudly call him a brand ambassador.

Rockstar Energy Drinks are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Universal Pacific Food Corp.